Chapter 4 – Butterflies
From the moment that I had woken up the next morning, I couldn't get Will off of my brain, which had me wondering if I'd dreamt of him, despite note being able to remember. And every time that I'd thought of him that day, I would get those stupid niggling little butterflies that had made me constantly giddy.
It was now Wednesday and I had a late morning tutorial, followed by a lecture after lunch, which I was expecting to see both Will and Joel at. The thought of seeing both of them in the same lecture played on my mind and caused my stomach to twist up into a whirl of knots. I wasn't sure who I would choose to sit next to when I walked into the theatre, and I wasn't so sure why on Earth it had mattered so much. So I decided to make sure that I would be early to avoid any challenges to my rationality. Decision making was certainly not one of my strong points.
The day was turning out to be fairly tedious. I didn't know many people in the tutorial and I didn't bump into anyone during lunch. I eventually made my way toward the theatre about fifteen minutes before it was scheduled to start. I opened the door, and noted that there were only about ten other people already seated, particularly observing that thankfully neither Will nor Joel were there. I choose a seat right up the back left hand corner, and luckily those fifteen lonesome minutes had passed pretty quickly. The theatre was nearing on full, when the lecturer had finally made an appearance.
My mind was invariably overwhelmed with images of Will. I just couldn't stop thinking about him and about what had happened just last night; how he'd almost kissed me. I had no idea what I would say to him today or how I would act around him for that matter.
"Hey gorgeous." My heart suddenly jumped as a voice broke my daydream. I snapped my head around to the right to see Joel taking a seat next to me, maintaining a beautiful dimpled smile.
"Oh, hey, how's it going?" I replied, my heart ever so slightly beginning to sink. It wasn't that I was disappointed to see Joel; it was more that I was anticipating seeing Will there. The thought of Will startling me unprepared made me exceedingly restless.
The lecture dragged pretty badly, and I had completely zoned out for most of it as I usually did, thoughts of Will still playing on my mind. Where was he by the way? He was meant to have this lecture with me, but he was nowhere to be seen. I could have sworn that I had subconsciously scanned the theatre about ten times in hope of spotting him.
Joel could tell that something was playing on my mind, that I was slightly disappointed about something, as I didn't say much during class. I felt his eyes discretely side glancing at me, numerous times, clearly having become concerned about it. The lecture finally finished, and I stood up to grab my bag.
"What's wrong Miranda? You look a bit, distracted?" He asked grabbing my arm gently, reading me like an open book.
"Nothing, I, um, just a little tired. I'm gonna head home now, can't wait to get some sleep." I replied with a definite tone of disappointment, slumping my shoulders to emphasise my point. "Sorry to be such a drag Joel, but I'll see you tomorrow. I think we have another tute together?" I implied, attempting to lighten the mood whilst hanging my bag over my shoulder and ready to walk out.
"Yeah, sure, no worries Miranda. See you tomorrow." He replied using that heart-warming, butterfly-producing, dimpled smile of his. It had only if just for a split second, made me adjust Will to the back of my mind.
The second I walked through the door of my apartment, I dumped my bag on the kitchen bench top and slumped myself onto the couch. Which by the way, still smelt of that alluring cologne that Will had me so drawn to...
Where was he today? I had pondered on this question numerous times now. I wondered if his no-show had something to do with what had happened last night. That was a bit of a ridiculous assumption, but I couldn't help but think it. I couldn't even call or text him to see what had happened; I didn't even have his number yet. Ok, I was starting to sound like a total stalker. What had gotten into me? I had never been this obsessed over a guy I'd only met just a few days before!
Suddenly I felt the presence of someone approaching my door, causing my heart to jump out of my chest for just a moment. Could it be Will? I shook my head at the stupidity of that possibility. Yet somehow my vibes were blocked from my anxiousness and I couldn't tell who it was. My vibes were often clouded when I was either stressed, uneasy, or excited.
[KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.]
I made my way to the door and opened it somewhat cautiously.
"Surprise!" Summer yelled, bursting her way through.
"Oh! Hey Sum, uh, what a nice surprise..." I trailed off, as she butt in.
"Geez, don't look so disappointed. Who were you expecting? Some cute boy or something?" She giggled, as she skipped around the apartment, giving herself a tour. She knew me way too well.
"Nice place! Needs a bit of decorating but overall it's beautiful. All modern and...Oh. Em. Gee. Is that a spa?" Summer yelled from inside of the main bathroom. "Miranda, you totally have to have a housewarming and invite those cute boys you told me about!"
Summer tended to get carried away with just about everything, especially if it involved the male species. I loved her to bits but sometimes her energy was a little too vast, particularly when she was oblivious to my bad moods.
"You know what Summer, that sounds like a pretty cool idea. Maybe in a few weeks once I've made a few more friends that I can invite, you know?" I replied, forcing enthusiasm, knowing too well that I was in no social status to throw some extravagant party just yet.
"Awesome! I'll help you plan it babe. Just let me know when you're thinking of doing it." Summer smiled back. Great.
"So, I'm going to take you out to dinner tonight, you look like you need to relax. Although you've only been a college bum for what, three days now?" She mocked, studying me from head to toe, rolling her eyes at my expense. She grabbed my bag off of the bench and handed it to me, prompting me to drag my feet over towards her to take it, giggling together at my pathetic state.
We ate at a small authentic Chinese restaurant just around the corner from my place, in China Town. Summer took the opportunity to tell me all about some guy she'd met on the weekend, how hot he was, and how she was planning to catch up with him again this weekend. You know, the usual boy talk that Summer was infamous for.
After dinner I hugged her goodbye and made my way back upstairs, threw on my PJs and hopped straight into bed. My last thoughts before falling asleep were yet again consumed by Will, pondering in hope that I'd see him tomorrow. I was constantly obsessing over it and that had bugged me deeply. But the butterflies somewhat calmed and soothed my stresses, instigating yet another deep dreamless slumber.
~
Thursday was a pretty similar day to yesterday. Once again, Will was a no show, and I was really letting it devour my sanity. I wasn't my usual friendly self around Joel, despite his genuine nature, cute dimples and bright green eyes that had helped to take my mind off of him to some extent. After classes I again went straight home to wallow on the couch and play over and over in my mind the events of the week like a monotonous movie on repeat, before finally heading to bed for yet another early night's sleep.
~
On Friday yet again, Will wasn't there. I was starting to grow anxious as to what could have happened, but decided to push it to the back of mind and get on with things. Especially as there were only ten minutes left of our last lecture of the week.
Joel was drawing silly pictures on his notepad of the nerdy lecturer, and passing them to me, as we giggled in the back left hand corner of the theatre. All that did though was remind me of Monday when I'd met Will, who had commented on my silly scribbles. Yet again, I was obsessing. Get over it Miranda.
I finally allowed myself to become distracted by Joel who I was certain was flirting with me, bringing about that slight tickle of butterflies at the very pit of my stomach. I looked up at the clock just as the lecturer made an announcement.
"Ok kids, class dismissed. Have a great weekend. And congratulations on making it through your first week of college! See you all next week." Hooray.
"Well done Miranda, you made it through the first week without wanting to kill yourself from boredom, after having to listen to this poor old lonely man ramble on mostly about his boring life." I giggled, at the lecturer's expense. "Maybe if he'd gotten married and had kids he wouldn't be so boring." I giggled again. His comment had, regrettably, reminded me of Will's outburst at the guy on Monday when I'd met him...Argh! I just couldn't get him off of my mind even if I had tried! It was becoming tremendously frustrating.
But hold on; how did Joel know that he had never been married nor had kids? I tuned out most of what the lecturer had told us but not enough to know that he didn't mention anything about his personal life, to that extent. It was a little strange, but I was too distracted to think much more of it at that point.
"So, as a reward, I think you deserve to be taken to dinner and shown the appreciation that you made it through in one piece, what do you say?" He asked with the most gorgeous grin planted across those beautiful lips of his, distracting me even more so.
"Why not, your shout I assume? Seeing as I've worked so hard." I asked, maintaining a cheeky smirk, whilst picking up my bag and standing to leave.
"Of course. I am, after all, a true gentleman." He said sarcastically as we both made our way out of the theatre giggling.
We walked to Joel's car which was parked in the onsite parking lot right outside of the building. "So, where are you taking me?" I asked as I hopped into his black shiny brand-new-looking Mazda RX8. I didn't feel the least bit uncomfortable around Joel and trusted the guy enough to get into his dangerous beast of a car. But how could I not? He was always so friendly and cheery, and had big genuine puppy dog eyes. My vibes only backed me up on this.
"Main Street, there's a bunch of nice restaurant's there. Plus it's like two minutes from my place, I can show you after if you want?" He asked with a slight grin pulling at the sides of his perfect mouth, excitement written all over his face.
"Sounds good." I smiled in return, just as those butterflies threatened my stomach again. I was getting them a lot lately. Anyone would think that I would have developed a stomach ulcer from them by now, it was that absurd.
He took me to a nice Italian place on the busy stretch of the main road. I ordered a vegetarian lasagne and a glass of white wine. What the hell, it was Friday night after all; time to relax and let go of some inhibitions. We chatted about life in general and I mentioned to him about Summer and how she was eager to throw me a house warming party. He also told me a bit about his brother and his parents, who owned their own business; something to do with international political affairs.
Once we had finished, we gathered ourselves and walked up to the counter to pay. I got my purse out as I was courteously interrupted, "There's no way I'm letting you pay. I told you I'd take you out so it's my shout." He said with a cheeky grin showing those gorgeous dimples of his. He really was just too perfect.
"You can get the bill next time around." He said, as we made our way out of the restaurant. I flashed him an appreciative smile and thanked him for his generosity. So, does this mean that there will be a next time around, as in he's planning to go to dinner with me again? I couldn't prevent the spark of excitement that I felt light up inside of me at that thought. It warmed me that I could make such a good friend in Joel in just the space of a week.
We jumped into his car and he drove us about four blocks away from the main stretch before pulling up to a large, very modern looking, two-story villa. It was engulfed in gorgeous emerald green palm trees and ferns, giving it a luxurious tropical escape feel. This place was beautiful, like something out of the OC. He pressed a button on his key chain and the wooden panelled modern fence slowly started to open, revealing a large polished concrete carport. He parked and we both got out of the car and headed towards the front door.
"Nice place." I noted, realising that it was a complete and utter understatement. The place was fabulous. He opened the door and I walked in through to the main entrance hallway. The interior was strikingly modern. The floors were covered with dark cherry polished floating floor boards and the walls a pure-white colour, decorated with large mirrors and modern art décor.
He took me on a brief tour, showing me only four out of the six bedrooms, two out of the four bathrooms, the entertaining area and snooker room, dining room, swimming pool and Jacuzzi in the backyard, and then finally finishing in the kitchen. Wow.
"So, feel like another drink? It's Friday, you gotta let your hair down." He suggested, pulling out a Corona for himself, and a berry flavoured cider for me - my favourite drink! He was always so accurate and it had me suspicious yet again...
"Yum! I love these, my favourite." I replied, willingly taking the drink from his hand and cracking it open.
"Wanna play a game of pool?" He asked as I took my first refreshing sip.
"Sure, why not. Only if you're not afraid to have your ass kicked by a girl?" I teased, showing him my dimpled smile.
"Ha, in your dreams princess." He retorted back cheekily before grabbing my hand and leading me towards the snooker room.
I wasn't bad at pool, but it seemed the more nervous I was, the worse I'd become. When I was relaxed and had a few drinks, I was actually pretty good. Not this time though, most inevitably because of Joel. I mean he was this exceptionally good looking and down to earth college boy, that I had only met just under a week ago, who had just taken me out to dinner, paid for it, and taken me back to his mansion on a Friday night...
I was distracted by him the entire time. We spent a good hour flirting and chatting and before I knew it I had three balls left when he only had the black ball to get in. I was on my third drink too, which can't have been helping too much, making me more giggly and jittery than I already was. It was my turn next but before I could continue Joel interrupted;
"Miranda I'm feeling pretty bad right now. I think you need a few tips." He said with a cheeky emerging smirk. He walked around behind me, so close that his hard chest had pressed gently up against my back. He reached around my waist, and placed both of his hands on top of mine, resting his head on my right shoulder. My face immediately flushed red and those butterflies were threatening me once again.
His body was so warm and comforting, and I couldn't help but feel extremely attracted to him right then. He gently moved the stick and hit the white ball perfectly, getting my ball in for me. I didn't want him to move from this position, it was intoxicating. He glanced over my shoulder at me, only mere inches from my face with a cocky grin planted across his. I found myself getting lost in those eyes, not being able to help the smile menacing my lips.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and noticed his gaze was now fixated onto my lips. My breath caught in my throat, and before either of us had a chance to move a mere inch, he suddenly broke our gaze and gently, most reluctantly, pulled away. And I finally let go of my breath. Damn.
We finished off the game, and casually packed up the cues and balls before heading back into the kitchen. He offered me another drink but I declined, knowing that it was getting late and that I should probably head home soon.
"I reckon I'm going to head off Joel, but thanks heaps for showing me your humble abode, I'm pretty impressed. Oh, and you're not too bad at pool either." I smiled at him as I grabbed my bag from the kitchen bench.
"No worries, princess." He said smirking wildly, making me retaliate; I was far from a princess.
"Hey, just 'cause I'm a sore loser doesn't mean I'm a princess." I threw back, leaving us both giggling like high schoolers with a crush. It was cringe-worthy cute.
"Fine. Sore loser. Now at least let me give you a lift home." He suggested adamantly as he retrieved his keys from the kitchen bench.
"No, no. You know what, I haven't managed to do any exercise the entire week, I reckon I'll walk home. It's a nice night. And it seriously shouldn't be longer than a fifteen minute walk from here." I replied, flashing him a small smile and making my way towards the front door.
He paused for a moment, almost unreadable. "Miranda, I'm not sure that it would be safe for you to wonder these streets at night, there's been a few muggings lately." He looked immensely concerned.
"And you know, a pretty girl like you walking down the side streets in town after 10:00pm on a Friday alone. I would never forgive myself if something happened..." He trailed off, genuinely looking concerned. It made me giggle that he actually cared that much.
"Seriously Joel it's fine, I'm a big girl, I can look after myself. I've taken self defence before." I reassured him, making a mental note to myself to do a bit of research later about these so called muggings later.
I then leaned in to give him a hug goodbye. His skin was so nice and warm, and his chest was noticeably toned and hard, having pressed right up against mine. I think I probably lingered on the hug a bit too long before he started to pull away and look deep into my eyes with his gorgeous bright green ones, lingering his slightly stubbled cheek just mere inches from mine. I freaked at the proximity of his face and flushed a little, so I pulled away and turned the door knob to hide my sudden embarrassment. This boy had such a unique intoxicating effect on me that I couldn't explain.
"I'll see you on Monday?" I asked before walking out.
"Yeah sure, see ya then. Hey, if you need help planning that house-warming spa party of yours I'd be happy to help, just hit me up on Facebook." He said smiling flirtatiously as I walked away and smiled back, turning before even seeing him close the front door in front of him.
Hold up – I didn't actually mention anything about having a spa. How could he have known this? Again it was odd. But he was completely innocent and harmless. So I brushed it away just like the other odd thoughts I'd previously had about him, about the things that he'd have no way of knowing otherwise. Surely he wasn't some serial stalker; he was far from the stereotype.
I was walking for about ten minutes, absorbing in the fresh night air, the slight breeze caressing my flustered cheeks as I walked at an abnormally fast pace. I found myself anxiously glancing down each ally way as I moved closer and closer towards my street. I wasn't quite sure why I was so anxious just yet, but the feeling was growing the closer I neared towards my apartment.
The anxious vibe became apparent the moment I heard what sounded like the whimpers of a girl coming from not far up ahead of me. I started to feel the presence of danger approach from my vibes as I hurried along the foot path, curious to find out what the sound was. Joel's words were ringing in my mind then, over and over again, reminding me that perhaps it wasn't so safe after all.
As soon as I crept up to the alley way that I heard the noises coming from, I immediately froze at what I saw. Before me stood a pale, tall, dark haired man, cornering a cowering girl against the wall. He was roughly holding both of her hands behind her back with one hand, as she helplessly struggled to fight his suffocating hold. His other hand had her head tilted to one side while muffling her mouth from screaming. It looked as though his head was buried into her neck!
He suddenly whipped his head up forward, so fast that I had barely seen the movement, and started sniffing the air. What the heck?!
What I saw then had shocked me even more. From side on, it appeared as though he had sharp teeth protruding out from his mouth, with what appeared to be blood dripping from them. I had to blink twice. I was completely frozen in shock.
His ghastly head so suddenly snapped around in my direction, again at an inhumane rate, contorting in a way that didn't look humanely possible.
Oh crap.
I was still frozen to my spot in shock, feeling as though the entire world around me had come to a halt, focusing solely onto the man before me. I was sure that my Adrenalin was kicking in, causing my heart beat to increase to a million miles an hour.
Time seemed to slow down, giving me an opportunity to study his grotesque face. Prominent veins stuck out from his translucent-like pale skin, and a huge evil grin formed on his blood stained lips at the sight of me. Our eyes locked to one another, his appearing pitch black. He suddenly dropped the poor girl to the ground, who collapsed into an exhausted heap. He turned his entire body around now to face me, still holding onto my widened gaze, maintaining that evil grin on his face.
Oh shit.